Image processing apparatus capable of specifying positions on screen

ABSTRACT

Disclosed is an image processing apparatus including: an obtaining unit which obtains an image; a first display control unit which displays the image on a display region of a display unit, the image being obtained by the obtaining unit; a rendering unit which performs rendering in the image based on an operation for an operation unit by a user, the image being displayed on the display region by the first display control unit; a specifying unit which specifies a first region closed by a boundary line rendered by the rendering unit; and a second display control unit which displays, on the display region, at least either one of an image of the first region specified by the specifying unit and an image of a second region other than the first region in the obtained image in a display mode capable of discriminating the at least either one image.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is based upon and claims the benefit of priority fromthe prior Japanese Patent Application No. 2012-056888, filed on Mar. 14,2012, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus, an imageprocessing method and a recording medium.

2. Description of Related Art

Heretofore, as disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No.2006-262041, there has been known a technology for designating a regionwith an arbitrary shape in an image by performing an operation of movinga finger on a touch panel, and for performing a variety of processingfor such an image in the designated region. Moreover, a technology fordisplaying an orbit thus traced has also been known.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An image processing apparatus according to one aspect of the presentinvention includes:

an obtaining unit which obtains an image;

a first display control unit which displays the image on a displayregion of a display unit, the image being obtained by the obtainingunit;

a rendering unit which performs rendering in the image based on anoperation for an operation unit by a user, the image being displayed onthe display region by the first display control unit;

a specifying unit which specifies a first region closed by a boundaryline rendered by the rendering unit; and

a second display control unit which displays, on the display region, atleast either one of an image of the first region specified by thespecifying unit and an image of a second region other than the firstregion in the obtained image in a display mode capable of discriminatingthe at least either one image.

A processing method using an image processing apparatus according toanother aspect of the present invention includes the steps of:

obtaining an image;

displaying the obtained image on a display region of a display unit;

performing rendering in the image based on an operation for operationunit by a user, the image being displayed on the display region;

specifying a first region closed by a rendered boundary line; and

displaying, on the display region, at least either one of a specifiedimage of the first region and an image of a second region other than thefirst region in the obtained image in a display mode capable ofdiscriminating the at least either one image.

According to still another aspect of the present invention, a computerreadable storing medium which stores a program which makes a computer ofan image processing apparatus realize:

an obtaining function which obtains an image;

a first display control function which displays the image on a displayregion of a display unit, the image being obtained by the obtainingfunction;

a rendering function which performs rendering in the image based on anoperation for an operation unit by a user, the image being displayed onthe display region by the first display control function;

a specifying function which specifies a first region closed by aboundary line rendered by the rendering function; and

a second display control function which displays, on the display region,at least either one of an image of the first region specified by thespecifying function and an image of a second region other than the firstregion in the obtained image in a display mode capable of discriminatingthe at least either one image.

The above and further objects and novel features of the presentinvention will more fully appear from the following detailed descriptionwhen the same is read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Itis to be expressly understood, however, that the drawings are for thepurpose of illustration only and are not intended as a definition of thelimits of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of animaging apparatus of an embodiment to which the present invention isapplied.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an example of operations related to imagegeneration processing by the imaging apparatus of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a view schematically showing an example of an image related tothe image generation processing of FIG. 2.

FIGS. 4A to 4C are views schematically showing examples of the imagesrelated to the image generation processing of FIG. 2.

FIGS. 5A to 5D are views schematically showing examples of imagesrelated to a modification example of the image generation processing.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

A description is made below of specific aspects of the present inventionby using the drawings. However, the scope of the invention is notlimited to the illustrated examples.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of animaging apparatus 100 of an embodiment to which the present invention isapplied.

As shown in FIG. 1, the imaging apparatus 100 of this embodimentincludes: a central control unit 1; a memory 2; an imaging unit 3; animage data generation unit 4; an operation input unit 5; a boundary linecondition setting unit 6; a region color setting unit 7; a display unit8; an image processing unit 9; and an image recording unit 10.

Moreover, the central control unit 1, the memory 2, the imaging unit 3,the image data generation unit 4, the operation input unit 5, theboundary line condition setting unit 6, the region color setting unit 7,the display unit 8, the image processing unit 9 and the image recordingunit 10 are connected to one another through a bus line 11.

The central control unit 1 is a unit that controls the respective unitsof the imaging apparatus 100. Specifically, though not shown, thecentral control unit 1 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a RAM(Random Access Memory), and a ROM (Read Only Memory), and performs avariety of control operations in accordance with a variety of processingprograms (not shown) for the imaging apparatus 100.

The memory 2 is composed, for example, of a DRAM (Dynamic Random AccessMemory) and the like, and is a memory that temporarily stores data andthe like, which are to be processed by the respective units such as thecentral control unit 1 and the image processing unit 9.

The imaging unit 3 images a subject (for example, a soccer ball and thelike) present in a background. Specifically, the imaging unit 3 includesa lens unit 3 a, an electronic imaging unit 3 b, and an imaging controlunit 3 c.

The lens unit 3 a is composed, for example, of a plurality of lensessuch as a zoom lens and a focus lens.

The electronic imaging unit 3 b is composed, for example, of an imagesensor such as a COD (Charge Coupled Device) and a CMOS (ComplementaryMetal-oxide Semiconductor), and converts an optical image, which haspassed through a variety of the lenses of the lens unit 3 a, into atwo-dimensional image signal.

Note that, though not shown, the imaging unit 3 may include a diaphragmthat adjusts a quantity of light that passes through the lens unit 3 a.

The imaging control unit 3 c controls the imaging of the subject by theimaging unit 3. That is to say, though not shown, the imaging controlunit 3 c includes a timing generator, a driver and the like. Then, theimaging control unit 3 c scans and drives the electronic imaging unit 3b by the timing generator and the driver, and converts the optical imageinto the two-dimensional image signal by the electronic imaging unit 3 bin every predetermined cycle. Then, the imaging control unit 3 c readsout frame images from an imaging region of the electronic imaging unit 3b by every amount of one screen, and outputs the readout frame images tothe image data generation unit 4.

The image data generation unit 4 generates image data of an originalimage P1 (refer to FIG. 3) in which the subject is present in thebackground. Specifically, the image data generation unit 4 appropriatelyperforms gain adjustment for analog-value signals of the frame images,which are transferred thereto from the electronic imaging unit 3 b, foreach of color components of R, G and B, thereafter, performs sampleholding for the signals concerned by a sample hold circuit (not shown),and coverts the signals into digital data by an A/D converter (notshown). Then, the image data generation unit 4 performs color processtreatment, which includes pixel interpolation processing andγ-correction processing, for the digital data by a color process circuit(not shown), and thereafter, generates digital-value luminance signals Yand color-difference signals Cb and Cr (YUV data).

The luminance signals Y and the color-difference signals Cb and Cr,which are to be outputted from the color process circuit, areDMA-transferred through a DMA controller (not shown) to the memory 2 foruse as a buffer memory.

The operation input unit 5 is a unit for inputting a variety ofinstructions to a body of the imaging apparatus 100.

Specifically, the operation input unit 5 includes: upper, lower, leftand right cursor buttons and a decision button, which are related toselection instructions for a mode, a function and the like;communication-related buttons related to execution instructions forsending/receiving of a telephone call, transmission/reception ofelectronic mail and the like; and a variety of buttons such as numericbuttons and symbol buttons, which are related to input instructions fortext (any of the above is not shown).

Then, when the variety of buttons are operated by a user, the operationinput unit 5 outputs operation instructions, which correspond to theoperated buttons, to the central control unit 1. The central controlunit 1 allows the respective units to perform predetermined operations(for example, imaging of a subject, and the like) in accordance with theoperation instructions outputted from the operation input unit 5 andinputted thereby.

Moreover, the operation input unit 5 includes a touch panel 5 a providedintegrally with a display panel 8 a (described later) of the displayunit 8.

The touch panel 5 a detects contact positions of a finger (hand) of theuser, a touch pen and the like, which directly or indirectly contact thedisplay screen that forms a display region of the display panel 8 a.That is to say, for example, the touch panel 5 a is provided on thedisplay screen or in an inside more than the display screen concerned,and detects XY coordinates of the contact positions on the displayscreen by a variety of methods such as a resistive film method, anultrasonic surface elastic wave method, and an electrostatic capacitancemethod. Then, the touch panel 5 a outputs position signals, which arerelated to the XY coordinates of the contact positions, to the centralcontrol unit 1 and the image processing unit 9.

Specifically, for example, when a boundary line L (refer to FIG. 4A) isrendered in the original image P1, which is displayed on the displaypanel 8 a, in accordance with a predetermined operation by the user, thetouch panel 5 a outputs such position signals related to XY coordinatesof contact positions of the boundary line L concerned.

Note that detection accuracy of the contact positions on the displayscreen by the touch panel 5 a is changeable arbitrarily as appropriate,and for example, one pixel may be strictly set as the contact position,or a plurality of pixels within a predetermined range in which one pixelis taken as a center may be set as the contact position. Moreover, sucha rendering operation for the boundary line L is performed by using thetouch panel 5 a; however, this is merely an example, and the renderingoperation according to the present invention is not limited to this. Therendering operation may be performed by using other buttons of theoperation input unit 5, for example, upper, lower, left and right movingkeys and the like, or may be performed by using a device (not shown) forthe rendering, which is externally connected to the body of theapparatus.

The boundary line condition setting unit 6 sets a variety of conditionsfor the boundary line L to be rendered in the original image P1.

That is to say, as first setting unit, the boundary line conditionsetting unit 6 sets at least either one of a color and thickness of theboundary line L.

Specifically, for example, when a desired color is designated based onthe predetermined operation for the operation input unit 5 by the user,the boundary line condition setting unit 6 sets the color concerned asthe color of the boundary line L. Alternatively, for example, in theevent where the boundary line L is rendered based on the predeterminedoperation for the operation input unit 5 by the user, the boundary linecondition setting unit 6 obtains color information about the peripheryof the boundary line L concerned in the original image P1, andautomatically sets a color, in which a contrast to such a peripheralcolor becomes large, as a color of the boundary line L.

Moreover, for example, when a desired thickness is designated based onthe predetermined operation (for example, a contact operation for apredetermined icon B1 (refer to FIG. 3) displayed on the display panel 8a, and the like) for the operation input unit 5 by the user, theboundary line condition setting unit 6 sets the thickness concerned asthe thickness of the boundary line L. Here, with regard to the thicknessof the boundary line L, a plurality of thicknesses different from oneanother are defined in advance, and such thickness desired by the usermay be set among the plurality of thicknesses. Alternatively, forexample, in the event where the boundary line L is rendered based on thepredetermined operation for the operation input unit 5 by the user, theboundary line condition setting unit 6 may automatically set thethickness of the boundary line L in consideration of a time while theposition signals are continuously inputted, the time corresponding to atime from when a contact operation for the touch panel 5 a at apredetermined position is started until the contact operation concernedis ended, a length of the boundary line L concerned, a position of theboundary line L in the original image P1, and the like.

Note that the thickness of the boundary line L may be changed byadjusting the detection accuracy of the contact positions by the touchpanel 5 a, that is, a size of a contact fictitious range to be regardedas the contact position while taking one pixel, which corresponds to thecontact position of the touch panel 5 a, as a center (for example,widening the contact fictitious range as the boundary line L is beingthicker, and so on).

The region color setting unit 7 sets a color of a region other than aclipping target region A (refer to FIG. 4A and the like) in the originalimage P1.

That is to say, as second setting unit, the region color setting unit 7sets such a color of a region other than an arbitrary region selected asthe clipping target region A between a first region A1 and a secondregion A2 (refer to FIG. 4A and the like). In other words, the regioncolor setting unit 7 sets at least, either one of a color of the secondregion A2 other than the first region A1 in the event where the firstregion A1 concerned is defined as the clipping target region A and thefirst region A1 is discriminated and displayed, and of a color of thefirst region A1 in the event where the second region A2 concerned isdefined as the clipping target region A and the second region A2 isdiscriminated and displayed.

Specifically, for example, when a desired color is designated based onthe predetermined operation for the operation input unit 5 by the user,the region color setting unit 7 sets the color concerned as the color ofthe region other than the clipping target region A. Alternatively, forexample, in the event where the boundary line L is rendered based on thepredetermined operation for the operation input unit 5 by the user, theregion color setting unit 7 obtains the color information about theperiphery of the boundary line L concerned in the original image P1, andautomatically sets the color, in which the contrast to the peripheralcolor becomes large, as the color of the region other than the clippingtarget region A.

The display unit 8 includes the display panel 8 a and a display controlunit 8 b.

The display panel (display unit) 8 a displays an image (for example, theoriginal image P1 and the like) in the display region. Moreover, as thedisplay panel 8 a, for example, a liquid crystal display panel, anorganic EL display panel and the like are mentioned: however, these aremerely examples, and the display panel 8 a is not limited to these.

Based on image data with a predetermined size, which is read out fromthe image recording unit 10 and decoded by the image processing unit 9,the display control unit 8 b performs control to display a predeterminedimage on the display screen of the display panel 8 a. Specifically, thedisplay control unit 8 b includes a VRAM (Video Random Access Memory), aVRAM controller, a digital video encoder, and the like. Then, thedigital video encoder reads out the luminance signals Y and thecolor-difference signals Cb and Cr, which are decoded by the imageprocessing unit 9 and stored in the VRAM (not shown), from the VRAMthrough the VRAM controller at a predetermined playback frame rate (forexample, 10 fps), and based on these data, generates a video signal andoutputs the generated video signal to the display panel 8 a.

Moreover, as first display control unit, the display control unit 8 bdisplays an image, which is obtained by the image obtaining unit 9 a, onthe display region of the display panel 8. That is to say, as will bedescribed later, when the image data of the original image P1 (refer toFIG. 3) desired by the user is obtained by the image obtaining unit 9 abased on the predetermined operation for the operation input unit 5 bythe user, the display control unit 8 b obtains the image data of theoriginal image P1 from the image obtaining unit 9 a, and displays theoriginal image P1 concerned on the display region of the display panel 8a.

Moreover, as second display control unit, the display control unit 8 bdisplays, on the display panel 8 a, at least either one of an image ofthe first region A1 specified in the original image P1 and an image ofthe second region A2 other than the first region A1 in the originalimage P1 concerned in a display mode capable of discriminating the atleast either one.

That is to say, in image generation processing (details thereof will bedescribed later), when the boundary line L is rendered in the originalimage P1 based on the predetermined operation for the operation inputunit 5 by the user, the display control unit 8 b exclusively switchesdiscrimination display of the first region A1 closed by the boundaryline L concerned and discrimination display of the second region A2, anddisplays the first region A1 and the second region A2 on the displaypanel 8 a. Specifically, based on the predetermined operation (forexample, a contact operation for a predetermined icon B2 (refer to FIG.4A and the like) displayed on the display panel 8 a, and the like) forthe operation input unit 5 by the user, the display control unit 8 bexclusively switches the discrimination display of the first region A1and the discrimination display of the second region A2, and displays thefirst region A1 and the second region A2 on the display panel 8 a.

The discrimination display of the first region A1 includes a displaymode capable of discriminating the image of the first region A1concerned from the region other than the clipping target region A.Specifically, for example, there are mentioned: a display mode (refer toFIG. 4A) in which the color of the region other than the first regionA1, that is, of the region (second region A2) outside of the boundaryline L is set to a predetermined color (for example, a single color); adisplay mode in which the region other than the boundary line L and thefirst region A1 is blinked; and the like. Note that, in a state of FIG.4A, the second region A2 is displayed by the single color, andaccordingly, such a display state capable of discriminating only theimage of the first region A1 is established. Moreover, though not shown,in the case of blinking the region other than the boundary line L andthe first region A1, it becomes possible to discriminate also the imageof the second region A2, which is to be blinked, in addition to theimage of the first region A1.

The discrimination display of the second region A2 includes a displaymode capable of discriminating the image of the second region A2concerned from the region other than the clipping target region A.Specifically, for example, there are mentioned: a display mode (refer toFIG. 4B) in which the color of the region other than the second regionA2, that is, of the region (first region A1) inside of the boundary lineL is set to a predetermined color (for example, a single color); adisplay mode in which the region other than the boundary line L and thesecond region A2 is blinked; and the like. Note that, in a state of FIG.4B, the first region A1 is displayed by the single color, andaccordingly, such a display state capable of discriminating only theimage of the second region A2 is established. Moreover, though notshown, in the case of blinking the region other than the boundary line Land the second region A2, it becomes possible to discriminate also theimage of the first region A1, which is to be blinked, in addition to theimage of the second region A2.

As described above, by using predetermined image processing, the displaycontrol unit 8 b displays, on the display panel 8 a, at least either oneof the image of the first region A1 and the image of the second regionA2 in the display mode capable of discriminating the at least eitherone. In such a way, on the display panel 8 a, either region between thefirst region A1 and the second region A2 is displayed emphatically so asto be identified as the clipping target region A.

Moreover, in the case where at least either one of the color andthickness of the boundary line L is set by the boundary line conditionsetting unit 6 in the event of the discrimination display of the firstregion A1 and the discrimination display of the second region A2, thedisplay control unit 8 b may display the boundary line L with the setcolor or thickness on a boundary between the first region A1 and thesecond region A2.

Furthermore, in the case where a color of the region other than theclipping target region A is set by the region color setting unit 7 inthe event of the discrimination display of the first region A1 and thediscrimination display of the second region A2, the display control unit8 b may display the first region A1 or the second region A2, whichbecomes the region other than the clipping target region A, by the setcolor.

Note that, in FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B, the regions (the second region A2 inFIG. 4A, the first region A1 in FIG. 4B, and the like) other than theclipping target region A are schematically shown by being dotted.

The image processing unit 9 decodes such image data of a still image(for example, a subject existing image and the like) and a movingpicture, which is related to the display target and read out from theimage recording unit 10, in accordance with a predetermined encodingmethod (for example, a JPEG format, a motion JPEG format, an MPEG formatand the like) corresponding thereto, and outputs the decoded image datato the display control unit 8 b. At this time, for example, the imageprocessing unit 9 reduces the image data, which is read out from theimage recording unit 10, to a predetermined size (for example, a VGA orQVGA size) based on a display resolution of the display panel 8 a, andthe like, and outputs the reduced image data to the display control unit8 b.

Moreover, the image processing unit 9 includes: the image obtaining unit9 a; a region specifying unit 9 b; and a clipped image generation unit 9c.

Note that, for example, the respective units of the image processingunit 9 are composed of predetermined logic circuits; however, such aconfiguration concerned is merely an example, and the respective unitsof the image processing unit 9 are not limited to this.

The image obtaining unit 9 a obtains the image for use in the imagegeneration processing.

That is to say, as obtaining unit, the image obtaining unit 9 a obtainsthe original image P1, which is desired by the user, as a processingtarget image of the image generation processing. Specifically, among atleast one image recorded in the image recording unit 10, the imageobtaining unit 9 a obtains the image data of the original image P1(refer to FIG. 3), which is desired by the user and designated based onthe predetermined operation for the operation input unit 5 by the user.

In the original image P1, the region specifying unit 9 b specifies thefirst region A1 closed by the boundary line L corresponding to thepredetermined rendering operation by the user.

That is to say, as specifying unit, the region specifying unit 9 bspecifies the first region A1, which is closed by the boundary line Lrendered based on the predetermined operation for the operation inputunit 5 by the user, in the original image P1 displayed on the displayregion of the display panel 8 a.

Specifically, in a state where the original image P1 is displayed on thedisplay region of the display panel 8 a, upon receiving the positionsignals, which are related to the XY coordinates of the contactpositions detected continuously by the touch panel 5 a of the operationinput unit 5 based on contact operations for the touch panel 5 aconcerned by the user, the region specifying unit 9 b specifies each ofthe contact positions of the touch panel 5 a concerned as each ofoperation points. Subsequently, the region specifying unit 9 b connectssuch a plurality of the specified operation points to one another, andthereby specifies the boundary line L in the original image P1, whichcorresponds to the rendering operation by the user. Then, the regionspecifying unit 9 b determines whether or not a closed region iscomposed in the inside of the specified boundary line L, and when it isdetermined that the closed region is composed as a result of thisdetermination, the region specifying unit 9 b specifies the closedregion concerned as the first region A1.

At this time, for example, among upper, lower, left and right imageboundaries, the region specifying unit 9 b may specify a region, whichis closed by at least one of the image boundaries concerned and by theboundary line L, as the first region A1.

Moreover, a plurality of the boundary lines L . . . may be renderedbased on the predetermined operation for the operation input unit 5 bythe user, and in this case, the region specifying unit 9 b determineswhether or not the number of closed regions to be formed of theplurality of boundary lines L . . . exceeds a predetermined number (forexample, 100 and the like), and may be configured so as not to specifythe first region A1 in the case where it is determined that the numberof closed regions exceeds the predetermined number.

The clipped image generation unit 9 c performs processing for clippingthe region, which is selected as the clipping target region A, from theoriginal image P1.

That is to say, as image processing unit, the clipped image generationunit 9 c performs image clipping processing for clipping the arbitraryregion, which is selected as the clipping target region A from betweenthe first region A1 and the second region A2, from the original imageP1. Specifically, when the clipping target region A is selected frombetween the first region A1 and the second region A2 based on thepredetermined operation for the operation input unit 5 by the user in astate where the first region A1 and the second region A2 are displayedon the display region of the display panel 8 a in the display modecapable of discriminating the first region A1 and the second region A2from each other, the clipped image generation unit 9 c performs theprocessing for clipping the arbitrary region (for example, the firstregion A1 and the like), which is selected as the clipping target regionA, from the original image P1.

Here, the operation input unit 5 composes selection unit which selectsthe arbitrary region between the first region A1 and the second regionA2 as the clipping target region A.

Note that, though the clipping target region A is selected based on thepredetermined operation for the operation input unit 5 by the user, thismethod for selecting the clipping target region A is merely an example,and a selection method according to the present invention is not limitedto this, and is changeable arbitrarily as appropriate. For example, theclipped image generation unit 9 c may calculate a contrast, resolutionfeeling (for example, a quantity of a high frequency component) and thelike of each of the first region A1 and the second region A2, and mayautomatically select a focused region as the clipping target region A.

In the image clipping processing, for example, the clipped imagegeneration unit 9 c generates position information (for example, analpha map) indicating the clipping target region A (for example, thefirst region A1 and the like) in the original image P1. Here, the alphamap is a map that, for each of the pixels of the original image P1,represents weight as an alpha value (0≦α≦1), the weight being in theevent of performing alpha blending for the image in the clipping targetregion A with a predetermined background. Note that, for such a boundaryportion between the first region A and the second region A2, forexample, detection of the boundary may be performed by edge detection,or the detection of the boundary may be performed in consideration ofthe contrast, the resolution feeling (for example, the quantity of thehigh frequency component) and the like, or a center portion in a width(thickness) direction of the boundary line L may be detected as theboundary.

Then, based on the generated alpha map, the clipped image generationunit 9 c synthesizes the image in the clipping target region A with apredetermined single color image (not shown) so that, among therespective pixels of the original image P1, pixels with an alpha valueof 1 cannot be transmitted through the single color image, and pixelswith an alpha value of 0 can be transmitted therethrough, and thengenerates a clipped image P2 (refer to FIG. 4C).

The image recording unit 10 is composed, for example, of a non-volatilememory (flash memory) and the like. Moreover, the image recording unit10 records image data of a variety of images (for example, the clippedimage P2 and the like) encoded in accordance with the predeterminedencoding method by an encoding unit (not shown) of the image processingunit 9.

Specifically, as recording unit, the image recording unit 10 records theclipped image P2 of the region (for example, the first region A1 and thelike) clipped as the clipping target region A between the first regionA1 and the second region A2. For example, the image recording unit 10associates the image data of the clipped image P2 with the alpha map,assigns “.jpe” as an extension of the image data of the clipped image P2concerned, and then records the image data.

Note that, for example, the image recording unit 10 may be configured sothat a recording medium (not shown) can be freely attached/detachedthereto/therefrom, and may have a configuration of controlling readoutof data from the attached recording medium and write of data to therecording medium.

Next, with reference to FIG. 2 to FIG. 4, a description is made of theimage generation processing by the imaging apparatus 100.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an example of operations related to theimage generation processing.

The image generation processing, which is described below, is processingto be executed in the case where a clipped image generation mode isselected and designated from among a plurality of operation modes, whichare displayed on a menu screen (not shown), based on the predeterminedoperation for the operation input unit 5 by the user.

<Image Generation Processing>

As shown in FIG. 2, first, the display control unit 8 b displays apredetermined message, which instructs the designation of the imageserving as the processing target, on the display screen of the displaypanel 8 a, and based on the predetermined operation for the operationinput unit 5 by the user, the central control unit 1 determines whetheror not the image desired by the user is designated among at least one ofthe images displayed on the display panel 8 a (Step S1).

Here, when it is determined that the image (original image P1) desiredby the user is designated (Step S1; YES), then the image obtaining unit9 a of the image processing unit 9 reads out and obtains the image dataof the original image P1 designated from the image recording unit 10,and the display control unit 8 b displays the readout original image P1on the display screen of the display panel 8 a (Step S2).

Note that, when it is determined in Step S1 that the image is notdesignated (Step S1; NO), the central control unit 1 returns theprocessing to Step S1, and until it is determined that the image isdesignated (Step S1; YES), puts the processing on standby in a statewhere the predetermined message related to the designation of the imageis displayed on the display screen of the display panel 8 a.

Next, the boundary line condition setting unit 6 sets the variety ofconditions for the boundary line L to be rendered, and in addition, theregion color setting unit 7 sets the color of the region other than theclipping target region A (Step S3).

Specifically, for example, the display control unit 8 b displays ascreen, which instructs the setting of the variety of conditions for theboundary line L, on the display screen of the display panel 8 a, and theboundary line condition setting unit 6 sets the desired color andthickness, which are designated based on the predetermined operation forthe operation input unit 5 by the user, as the color and thickness ofthe boundary line L. Moreover, for example, the display control unit 8 bdisplays a screen, which instructs the setting of the color of theregion other than the clipping target region A, on the display screen ofthe display panel 8 a, and the region color setting unit 7 sets thedesired color, which is designated based on the predetermined operationfor the operation input unit 5 by the user, as the color of the regionother than the clipping target region A.

Note that the setting of the variety of conditions for the boundary lineL and the setting of the color of the region other than the clippingtarget region A may be performed in the event of the rendering of theboundary line or after the rendering concerned. That is to say, theconditions for the boundary line L and the color of the region otherthan the clipping target region A may be preset as defaults, and attiming desired by the user, the color and thickness of the boundary lineL may be set so as to become the color and the thickness, which aredesired by the user, and the color of the region other than the clippingtarget region A may be set so as to become the color desired by theuser.

Subsequently, the region specifying unit 9 b determines whether or notthere is an input instruction for the operation point on the displayregion of the display panel 8 a by the user within a predeterminedperiod (Step S4). Specifically, in response to whether or not theposition signal related to the XY coordinate of the contact position,which is outputted from the touch panel 5 a in such a manner that thecontact of the finger (hand) of the user, the touch pen and the likewith the display screen of the display panel 8 a is detected by thetouch panel 5 a, the region specifying unit 9 b determines whether ornot there is an input of the operation point by the user.

When it is determined in Step S4 that there is no input of the operationpoint by the user (Step S4: NO), the region specifying unit 9 b returnsthe processing to Step S4, and repeatedly executes the above-describeddetermination processing at predetermined timing (Step S4).

Meanwhile, when it is determined in Step S4 that there is an input ofthe operation point by the user (Step S4: YES), the region specifyingunit 9 b specifies the boundary line L in the original image P1, whichcorresponds to the rendering operation by the user, from a plurality ofthe operation points (Step S5; refer to FIG. 4A). At this time, thedisplay control unit 8 b displays the boundary line L, which isspecified by the region specifying unit 9 b, with the color and thethickness, which are preset by the boundary line condition setting unit6, on the display panel 8 a.

Subsequently, the region specifying unit 9 b determines whether or notthe closed region closed by the specified boundary line L is composed(Step S6).

Here, when it is determined that the closed region is not composed (StepS6; NO), the region specifying unit 9 b returns the processing to StepS4, and receives a next input instruction for the operation point on thedisplay region of the display panel 8 a.

Then, when it is determined that the closed region is composed in StepS6 (Step S6; YES), the region specifying unit 9 b determines whether ornot the number of closed regions is a predetermined number (for example,100 and the like) or more (Step S7).

Here, in the image generation processing of this embodiment, adescription is made on the assumption that one closed region iscomposed.

When it is determined that the number of closed regions is not thepredetermined number or more (Step S7; NO), the region specifying unit 9b specifies the closed region as the first region A1 (Step S8). Then,the display control unit 8 b performs the (discrimination) display forthe image of the first region A1 on the display panel 8 a in the displaymode capable of discriminating the first region A1 from the region (thesecond region A2) other than the clipping target region A (Step S9;refer to FIG. 4A). Specifically, for example, the display control unit 8b displays the boundary line L with the color and the thickness, whichare set by the boundary line condition setting unit 6, on the boundarybetween the first region A1 and the second region A2, and in addition,displays the second region A2 by the color set by the region colorsetting unit 7.

Note that, in the case where it is determined that the number of closedregions is the predetermined number or more (Step S7; YES), the CPU ofthe central control unit 1 returns the processing to Step S2, and thedisplay control unit 8 b displays the original image P1 on the displayscreen of the display panel 8 a (Step S2).

Next, based on the predetermined operation (for example, a contactoperation for a predetermined icon B3 (refer to FIG. 4A and the like)displayed on the display panel 8 a, and the like) for the operationinput unit 5 by the user, the CPU of the central control unit 1determines whether or not a clipping instruction for the first region A1as the clipping target region A is inputted (Step S10).

Here, a description will be made later of the case where it isdetermined in Step S10 that the clipping instruction is inputted (StepS10; YES).

Meanwhile, when it is determined in Step S10 that the clippinginstruction is not inputted (Step S10; NO), then based on thepredetermined operation (for example, a contact operation for apredetermined icon B2 (refer to FIG. 4A and the like) displayed on thedisplay panel 8 a, and the like) for the operation input unit 5 by theuser, the central control unit 1 determines whether or not a switchinginstruction for the clipping target region A is inputted (Step S11).

Here, when it is determined that the switching instruction for theclipping target region A is not inputted (Step S11; NO), the CPU of thecentral control unit 1 returns the processing to Step S10, andrepeatedly executes such determination processing as to whether or notthe clipping instruction is inputted at predetermined timing (Step S10).

Meanwhile, when it is determined in Step S11 that the switchinginstruction for the clipping target region A is inputted (Step S11;YES), the display control unit 8 b performs the (discrimination) displayfor the image of the second region A2 on the display panel 8 a in thedisplay mode capable of discriminating the second region A2 from theregion (the first region A1) other than the clipping target region A(Step S12; refer to FIG. 4B). Specifically, for example, the displaycontrol unit 8 b displays the boundary line L with the color and thethickness, which are set by the boundary line condition setting unit 6,on the boundary between the first region A1 and the second region A2,and in addition, displays the first region A1 by the color set by theregion color setting unit 7.

Subsequently, based on the predetermined operation (for example, acontact operation for the predetermined icon B3 (refer to FIG. 4A andthe like) displayed on the display panel 8 a, and the like) for theoperation input unit 5 by the user, the CPU of the central control unit1 determines whether or not a clipping instruction for the second regionA2 as the clipping target region A is inputted (Step S13).

Here, when it is determined that the clipping instruction is notinputted (Step S13; NO), the CPU of the central control unit 1 returnsthe processing to Step S11, and repeatedly executes such determinationprocessing as to whether or not the switching instruction for theclipping target region A is inputted at predetermined timing (Step S11).

Meanwhile, when it is determined in Step S13 that the clippinginstruction is inputted (Step S13; YES), or alternatively, when it isdetermined in Step S10 that the clipping instruction is inputted (StepS10; YES), the clipped image generation unit 9 c performs the imageclipping processing for clipping the region, which is selected as theclipping target region A, from the original image P1 (Step S14). In thecase where an outline of an image with a large contrast ratio and so onis extracted in the vicinity of the boundary line in the event of thisclipping processing, the clipping processing may be performed inaccordance with this outline. Moreover, in the case where the outline isnot extracted, the clipping processing is performed in the inside,outside or center of the boundary line.

That is to say, in the case where it is determined in Step S10 that theclipping instruction taking the first region A1 as the clipping targetregion A is inputted (Step S10; YES), the clipped image generation unit9 c performs the image clipping processing for clipping the first regionA1 from the original image P1 (refer to FIG. 4C). Meanwhile, in the casewhere it is determined in Step S13 that the clipping instruction takingthe second region A2 as the clipping target region A is inputted (StepS13; YES), the clipped image generation unit 9 c performs the imageclipping processing for clipping the second region A2 from the originalimage P1.

Note that, since detailed processing contents of the image clippingprocessing are mentioned above, a description thereof is omitted.

Thereafter, the image recording unit 10 records the image data of theclipped image P2 of the region (for example, the first region A1 and thelike) clipped as the clipping target region A. from the original imageP1 (Step S15), and the image generation processing is ended.

As described above, in accordance with the imaging apparatus 100 of thisembodiment, on the display region of the display panel 8 a, at leasteither one of the image of the first region A1 closed by the boundaryline L rendered based on the predetermined operation for the operationinput unit 5 by the user and the image of the second region A2 otherthan the first region A1 in the original image P1 is displayed in thedisplay state capable of discriminating the at least either one.Accordingly, the user can be allowed to appropriately performdiscrimination as to whether or not a region with a desired shape hasbeen able to be designated. Then, in the image clipping processing, frombetween the first region A1 and the second region A2, the arbitraryregion selected as the clipping target region A can be appropriatelyclipped from the original image P1.

Specifically, the discrimination display of the first region A1 and thediscrimination display of the second region A2 are exclusively switched,and are displayed on the display region of the display panel 8 a, andaccordingly, between the first region A1 and the second region A2, theuser can be allowed to appropriately grasp the region, which is beingdiscriminated and displayed, as the clipping target region A.

As described above, in the original image P1, the discrimination of theshape of the region designated by the orbit traced by the user, such asthe region to be clipped, can be performed with ease.

In other words, the user can confirm that the region selected byhim/herself is correct. In particular, if the orbit of the boundary lineis just displayed, then it cannot be confirmed whether or not the closedspace can be correctly recognized, and accordingly, in the case ofrecognizing the closed space by the clipping of the image, and the like,there is also a possibility that line continuity and a gap between aline and a line cannot be correctly recognized. In accordance with theimaging apparatus 100 of this embodiment, it becomes possible to confirmsuch misrecognition.

Moreover, the boundary line L, in which at least either one of the colorand the thickness is set, is displayed on the boundary between the firstregion A1 and the second region A2. Accordingly, in the case where itbecomes difficult to see the boundary line L depending on contents ofthe original image P1, the color and thickness of the boundary line Lconcerned are set, whereby the user can be allowed to appropriatelygrasp the boundary portion between the first region A1 and the secondregion A2. Moreover, the boundary line L in which the color and thethickness are set as desired by the user can be rendered, and therendering operation for closing the region, which is desired by theuser, by the boundary line L concerned can be performed with more ease.

Moreover, there are set: the color of the second region A2 that becomesthe region other than the clipping target region A in the event ofperforming the discrimination display for the first region A1; the colorof the first region A1 that becomes the region other than the clippingtarget region A in the event of performing the discrimination displayfor the second region A2, and then the first region A1 concerned and thesecond region A2 concerned are displayed. Accordingly, in the case whereit becomes difficult to see the clipping target region A depending onthe contents of the original image P1, the color of the region otherthan the clipping target region A concerned is set, whereby the user canbe allowed to appropriately grasp the clipping target region A.

Moreover, for example, based on the predetermined operation for theoperation input unit 5 by the user, the arbitrary region between thefirst region A1 and the second region A2 is selected as the clippingtarget region A, whereby the selection of the clipping target region Acan be appropriately performed, and the clipping of the region selectedas the clipping target region A concerned can be performed asappropriate.

Furthermore, in the case where the number of closed regions closed bythe boundary line L exceeds the predetermined number, the specificationof the first region A1 is not performed. Accordingly, even if theimaging apparatus 100 is an apparatus that mounts thereon an arithmeticunit in which a throughput is not very high, the image generationprocessing can be performed efficiently.

Moreover, between the first region A1 and the second region A2, theclipped image P2 of the region clipped by the image clipping processingis recorded, and accordingly, the clipped image P2 concerned can be usedfor various pieces of post-processing (for example, image synthesisprocessing for synthesizing the clipped image P2 concerned with abackground image, and the like).

Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-describedembodiment, and may be subjected to varieties of improvements and designchanges within the scope without departing from the spirit of thepresent invention.

For example, in the image generation processing of the above-describedembodiment, the description has been made on the assumption that thenumber of closed regions is one; however, this number of closed regionsis merely an example, and the number of closed regions according to thepresent invention is not limited to this, and is changeable arbitrarilyas appropriate. That is to say, in the case of having specified aplurality of the closed regions, which are to be closed by apredetermined number of the boundary lines L rendered based on thepredetermined operation for the operation input unit 5 by the user, theregion specifying unit 9 b may specify the first region A1 based on atleast either one of a size of the plurality of closed regions to beclosed by the predetermined number of boundary lines L and anoverlapping degree between the closed regions (refer to FIG. 5A to FIG.5D, and the like).

Note that, in FIG. 5A to FIG. 5D, the first region A1 is schematicallyshown by being hatched, and the region (the second region A2) other thanthe first region A1 concerned is schematically shown by being dotted.

Specifically, for example, as shown in FIG. 5A, in the case where,between the closed regions corresponding to the plurality of boundarylines L . . . , an arbitrary closed region is present in an inside ofanother closed region with a larger area than the arbitrary closedregion concerned, the region specifying unit 9 b may specify an annularregion, which is to be formed of these two closed regions, as the firstregion A1.

Moreover, for example, as shown in FIG. 5B and FIG. 5C, in the casewhere the closed regions corresponding to the plurality of boundarylines L . . . overlap each other, then by taking a size of anoverlapping region thereof as a reference, the region specifying unit 9b determines whether to specify a region, which includes the overlappingregion concerned, as the first region A1 (refer to FIG. 5C), or tospecify regions, which do not include the overlapping region concerned,as the first region A1 (refer to FIG. 5B). Specifically, for example,the region specifying unit 9 b calculates a ratio of the size (forexample, the number of pixels, and the like) of the overlapping regionwith respect to the whole of the plurality of closed regions, anddetermines whether or not the overlapping region is to be included inthe first region A1 in response to whether or not the ratio concerned isa predetermined threshold value or more.

Note that, in the case where the closed regions corresponding to theplurality of boundary lines L . . . do not overlap each other, theregion specifying unit 9 b may define all of the plurality of closedregions as the first region A1 (refer to FIG. 5D), or may define apredetermined number of the closed regions (for example, one closedregion with a maximum area, and the like) as the first region A1.

Moreover, no matter whether or not the plurality of closed regionsoverlap each other, the region specifying unit 9 b may be configured notto specify the first region A1 in the case where the number of closedregions has exceeded the predetermined number.

Note that, for example, the plurality of closed regions may be thoseindividually composed of the plurality of boundary lines L, or may bethose composed in such a manner that one boundary line rendered likeunicursal drawing intersects an already rendered portion.

Hence, even in the case where the plurality of closed regions arespecified, the first region A1 can be specified based on at least eitherone of the size of each of the closed regions and the overlapping degreeof the closed regions, and the specification of the first region A1 orthe second region A2, which serves as the clipping target region A, canbe appropriately performed so as to comply with the intention of theuser.

Moreover, in the above-described image generation processing, theclipped image P2, which is generated, is recorded in the image recordingunit 10; however, whether or not, to record the clipped image P2concerned is changeable arbitrarily as appropriate, and a configurationin which the clipped image P2 thus generated is simply played back anddisplayed may be adopted.

Moreover, in the above-described embodiment, the boundary line conditionsetting unit 6 is provided, and at least either one of the color andthickness of the boundary line L is set; however, whether or not to setthe color and thickness of the boundary line L is changeable arbitrarilyas appropriate, and it is not always necessary that the boundary linecondition setting unit 6 be provided.

Moreover, in the above-described embodiment, the region color settingunit 7 is provided, and the color of the region other than the clippingtarget region A is set; however, whether or not to set the color of theregion other than the clipping target region A is changeable arbitraryas appropriate, and it is not always necessary that the region colorsetting unit 7 be provided.

Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the closed region closedin the inside of the boundary line L is specified as the first regionA1; however, this is merely an example, and the region to be specifiedas the first region A1 according to the present invention is not limitedto this, and is changeable arbitrarily as appropriate. For example, theregion, which is closed by the outside of the boundary line L and atleast one image boundary among the upper, lower left and right imageboundaries, may be specified as the first region A1.

Moreover, in the above-described embodiment, after the input of therendering operation for the boundary line L by the user, thediscrimination display of the first region A1 as the closed region ofthe boundary line L is first displayed; however, this is merely anexample, and an order of the discrimination displays according to thepresent invention is not limited to this, the discrimination display ofthe second region A2 as the region other than the closed region of theboundary line L may be first performed, and it may be possible toarbitrarily set which region is to be first subjected to thediscrimination display.

Moreover, the configuration of the imaging apparatus 100, which isillustrated in the above-described embodiment, is merely an example, andthe configuration of the imaging apparatus 100 according to the presentinvention is not limited to this. Furthermore, the imaging apparatus 100is illustrated as an image processing apparatus; however, the imageprocessing apparatus according to the present invention is not limitedto this. Moreover, the display control unit 8 b, which composes both ofthe first display control unit and the second display control unit, isillustrated; however, the configuration of the illustrated displaycontrol unit 8 b is merely an example, and the configuration of thedisplay control unit 8 b according to the present invention is notlimited to this. For example, a first display control unit and a seconddisplay control unit, which compose the first display control unit andthe second display control unit, respectively, may be providedindependently of each other.

In addition, in the above-described embodiment, a configuration isadopted, in which functions as the obtaining unit, the first displaycontrol unit, the rendering unit, the specifying unit and the seconddisplay control unit are realized in such a manner that the imageobtaining unit 9 a, the operation input unit 5, the region specifyingunit 9 b and the display control unit 8 b are driven under the controlof the central control unit 1; however, such a configuration to realizethese functions is not limited to this, and a configuration may beadopted, in which these unit are realized in such a manner that apredetermined program and the like are executed by the CPU of thecentral control unit 1.

That is to say, in a program memory (not shown) that stores programstherein, a program that includes an obtaining processing routine, afirst display control processing routine, a rendering processingroutine, a specifying processing routine and a second display controlprocessing routine is stored in advance. Then, by the obtainingprocessing routine, the CPU of the central control unit 1 may be allowedto function as unit which obtains an image. Moreover, by the firstdisplay control processing routine, the CPU of the central control unit1 may be allowed to function as unit which displays the obtained imageon a display region of the display unit. Furthermore, by the renderingprocessing routine, the CPU of the central control unit 1 may be allowedto function as unit which performs the rendering in the image, which isdisplayed on the display region, based on a predetermined operation foroperation unit by the user. Moreover, by the specifying processingroutine, the CPU of the central control unit 1 may be allowed tofunction as unit which specifies the first region A1 closed by therendered boundary line L. Furthermore, by the second display controlprocessing routine, the CPU of the central control unit 1 may be allowedto function as unit which displays at least either one of the image ofthe specified first region A1 and the image of the second region A2other than the first region A1 in the obtained image in the display modecapable of discriminating the at least either one.

In a similar way, such a configuration may be adopted, in which theimage processing unit, the first setting unit, the second setting unit,the selection unit and the order setting unit are also realized in sucha manner that a predetermined program and the like are executed by theCPU of the central control unit 1.

Moreover, as computer-readable mediums which store therein the programsfor executing the above-described respective pieces of processing, it isalso possible to apply a non-volatile memory such as a flash memory, anda portable recording medium such as a CD-ROM as well as a ROM, a harddisk and the like. Moreover, as a medium that provides data of theprograms a predetermined communication line, a carrier wave is alsoapplied.

While the present invention has been described with reference to thepreferred embodiments, it is intended that the invention be not limitedby any of the details of the description therein but includes all theembodiments which fall within the scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A processing method using an image processingapparatus, the method comprising: obtaining an image; displaying theobtained image on a display region of a display unit; arbitrarilyrendering a boundary line on the image displayed on the display regionbased on an operation input to an operation unit by a user; specifying,as a first region, a portion of the display region that is enclosed bythe rendered boundary line; and displaying, on the display region and inresponse to the specifying of the first region, at least one of an imageof the first region and an image of a second region other than the firstregion in the obtained image in a display mode in which display isperformed so as to be capable of discriminating the at least one image;wherein the second region shares the boundary line in common with thefirst region and is a remaining portion of the display region thatexcludes the first region; wherein, in a case where a predeterminednumber of boundary lines are rendered based on the operation input tothe operation unit by the user, the first region is specified based onat least one of a size of a plurality of closed regions to be closed bythe predetermined number of boundary lines and an overlapping degreebetween the plurality of closed regions; and wherein, in a case inwhich, among the plurality of closed regions, a first closed region ispresent inside a second closed region, an annular region formed by thefirst and second closed regions is specified as the first region.
 2. Aprocessing method using an image processing apparatus, the methodcomprising: obtaining an image; displaying the obtained image on adisplay region of a display unit; arbitrarily rendering a boundary lineon the image displayed on the display region based on an operation inputto an operation unit by a user; specifying, as a first region, a portionof the display region that is enclosed by the rendered boundary line;and displaying, on the display region and in response to the specifyingof the first region, at least one of an image of the first region and animage of a second region other than the first region in the obtainedimage in a display mode in which display is performed so as to becapable of discriminating the at least one image; wherein the secondregion shares the boundary line in common with the first region and is aremaining portion of the display region that excludes the first region;wherein, in a case where a predetermined number of boundary lines arerendered based on the operation input to the operation unit by the user,the first region is specified based on at least one of a size of aplurality of closed regions to be closed by the predetermined number ofboundary lines and an overlapping degree between the plurality of closedregions; and wherein, in a case in which the plurality of closed regionsoverlap with each other, by taking a size of an overlapping regionthereof as a reference, one of a region including the overlapping regionand a region not including the overlapping region is specified as thefirst region.
 3. A processing method using an image processingapparatus, the method comprising: obtaining an image; displaying theobtained image on a display region of a display unit; arbitrarilyrendering a boundary line on the image displayed on the display regionbased on an operation input to an operation unit by a user; specifying,as a first region, a portion of the display region that is enclosed bythe rendered boundary line; and displaying, on the display region and inresponse to the specifying of the first region, at least one of an imageof the first region and an image of a second region other than the firstregion in the obtained image in a display mode in which display isperformed so as to be capable of discriminating the at least one image;wherein the second region shares the boundary line in common with thefirst region and is a remaining portion of the display region thatexcludes the first region; wherein, in a case where a predeterminednumber of boundary lines are rendered based on the operation input tothe operation unit by the user, the first region is specified based onat least one of a size of a plurality of closed regions to be closed bythe predetermined number of boundary lines and an overlapping degreebetween the plurality of closed regions; and wherein in a case in whicha number of the plurality of closed regions exceeds a predeterminednumber, the first region is not specified.
 4. The processing methodaccording to claim 1, wherein the at least one of the image of the firstregion and the image of the second region is displayed on the displayregion in the display mode by using predetermined image processing. 5.The processing method according to claim 1, wherein the at least one ofthe image of the first region and the image of the second region isdisplayed on the display region in the display mode by emphasizing theat least one image in comparison with the other.
 6. The processingmethod according to claim 1, further comprising: performing processingfor clipping, from the obtained image, an arbitrary region selected as aclipping target region from among the first region and the second regionin a state in which the at least one image is displayed in the displaymode in which the display is performed so as to be capable ofdiscriminating the at least one image.
 7. The processing methodaccording to claim 6, wherein an image of the region selected as theclipping target region from among the first region and the second regionis displayed in the display mode.
 8. The processing method according toclaim 1, wherein the image of the first region and the image of thesecond region are exclusively switched, and the switched image of thefirst region and the image of the second region is emphaticallydiscriminated and displayed on the display region.
 9. The processingmethod according to claim 1, further comprising: setting at least one ofa color and a thickness of the boundary line, wherein the boundary line,of which at least one of the color and the thickness is set, isdisplayed on a boundary between the first region and the second region.10. The processing method according to claim 1, further comprising:setting a color of a region other than an arbitrary region selected as aclipping target region from among the first region and the secondregion, wherein the region other than the clipping target region isdisplayed in the set color.
 11. The processing method according to claim6, further comprising: selecting the arbitrary region from among thefirst region and the second region as the clipping target region,wherein the processing for clipping, from the obtained image, isperformed with the arbitrary region selected as the clipping targetregion.
 12. The processing method according to claim 6, furthercomprising: recording a clipped image of the region clipped from amongthe first region and the second region.
 13. The processing methodaccording to claim 1, further comprising: setting one of the firstregion and the second region to be displayed first in the display mode,after the boundary line is rendered on the image displayed on thedisplay region based on the operation input to the operation unit by theuser.